Indonesia earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck the island of Flores on 15 August, causing at least 70 deaths, injuring over 1,000 people, and leaving tens of thousands displaced. Although Indonesia is demographically the largest Muslim country in the world, Flores is one of the few majority-Christian islands in the archipelago and is considered a vital breadbasket for religious vocations. Marco Bachmann, project director for the area at Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), highlighted the island’s unique significance for the local Church.
Church response to the Indonesia earthquake
The Catholic Church reacted swiftly to assist the victims of the natural disaster. In a video message sent to ACN, Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng—one of the six dioceses on Flores—explained the immediate emergency operations:
“Through the parishes and institutions of the Diocese, we immediately provided emergency assistance to the victims. We provided tents for those affected in various parishes, set up a booth for patients at Ruteng Regional Hospital, gathered assistance from various parties, and established relief posts”.
Local dioceses have also played a central role in gathering and verifying victim data in coordination with government agencies, while leading mitigation efforts and offering continuous spiritual and pastoral care. The quake damaged tens of thousands of homes and at least 75 churches and chapels.
ACN commitment and trauma healing
ACN immediately contacted local project partners to assess the most urgent requirements. Marco Bachmann confirmed that ACN has committed to aiding the worst-affected areas, approving immediate help for the dioceses of Ruteng and Labuan Bajo to distribute essential items such as clothes, medicines, and food, with plans to assist other impacted dioceses as well. In the next phase, ACN will evaluate requests for rebuilding churches and ecclesiastical buildings.
Parallel to physical relief, the local clergy is focusing heavily on emotional recovery:
“Alongside material aid, we are providing psychological support through trauma-healing activities for victims, particularly affected children. These activities involve diocesan priests, religious brothers and religious sisters”.
“No less important is spiritual strengthening through pastoral visits, messages and prayer sessions with the earthquake victims”.
Faith amidst tragedy and regional context
The scale of destruction raised profound spiritual questions among the population. Bishop Hormat reflected on his encounters with survivors at disaster sites:
“Where is God? Why did He allow the earthquake to happen? It is deeply moving to witness how their tears of sorrow slowly transform into the dawn of hope. God always cares. His steadfast love never ceases”.
“I ask for your prayers and assistance. May God shower His blessings upon the victims, and upon all”.
The disaster on Flores Island follows two other major natural catastrophes in South America. In June, a double earthquake wrought severe damage and high casualties in Venezuela, while Colombia experienced a powerful quake in August that caused structural and humanitarian destruction.
